RCN comments on National Confidential Inquiry annual report
Published: 11 July 2012
Embargo: 00:01 Thursday 12 July 2012
RCN comments on National Confidential Inquiry annual report
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to the National Confidential Inquiry into Homicide and Suicide by People with Mental Illness annual report. The report found that suicide rates among people on mental health wards have continued to fall, though it raised concerns about suicides among people treated at home.
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said:
“Any suicide is a tragedy for the individual concerned and those around them, and working with people who are at risk of suicide and self harm is uniquely challenging. It is a testament to the dedication and commitment of mental health nurses and their colleagues that fewer patients who are treated on mental health wards have committed suicide during the period studied by this report. Identifying and helping those at risk takes time, care and dedication, so the effort and co-operation required to bring about this reduction cannot be overstated.
“Nurses will however be concerned about the number of people with mental illness who are committing suicide while being cared for at home. The Government, Trusts and clinicians will need to work together to understand the reasons for this, and to commit to acting on those reasons. The NHS has a duty towards individuals and the community at large to improve care for people with mental health problems, and the RCN is determined to work with the Government to ensure that services for vulnerable people are doing all they can.”
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
2. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nursing staff and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.